Cushioning device for vehicles.



T. A. KLENKE.

CUSHIONING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES.

APPLIOATION FILED Nov. 27, 1906.

l ,028,740, APatented June 4, 1912.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

/JAMJ .f kv/BY Mam, [5j/ Y 5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

T. A. KLENKE.

GUSHIONING DEVICE PoR VEHICLES.

APPLIOTON FILED NOV. 27, 1906. 1,028,740. Patented June 4, 1912.

i l l mmm i E/A/VEA/mff mi Qa/ATTORNEYS.

T. A. KLENKE.

CUSHIONING DEVICE EOE. VEHICLES. E

. l APPLICATION FILED N0V.27, 1906. 1,028,740.

//A Tram/Hs.

Patented June 4, 1912.

T. A. KLENKE.

GUSHIONING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES.

APPLIGATION FILED Nov. 27, 1906.

Patented June 4, 1912.Y

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

u W/TNESSES ha ATTORNEYS.

T. A. KLENKE.

CUSHIONING DEVICE EOE VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED NOV.27.1906.

1,028,740. Patented June 4, 1912.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

,A y, u MQW /w Amm/VHS.

| io all whom it concern:

1 Be it known that I, THEODORE A." KLENKE, i, citizen of the UnitedStates, a resident of I ew York, county of New York, andState I NewYork, have invented a Cushioningl evice for. Vehicles, of which thefollowing- It1is shown in drawingsl accompanying iis specification inconnection with 'the axle And bed and running gear of an automobile, iutit is not limited to that class of vehicles iut may be used with anyvehicle to which it s adapted. 5 My invention has for its object toimprove ind perfect the connections between the 'wheel or the axle andthe bed of the vehicle, reduce the effect upon the bed of the hooks andjars transmitted through the Ixles from the wheels, to make the bed oflhe vehicle ride more evenly and smoothly, o give greater flexibility tothe connections letwen the wheel or the axle and the bed, to

nable resilient means-or cushioning devices o be used effectivelybetween the wheels or I neumatic cushion, so arrangedthat thehockstransmitted to the vehiclefrom the oad-bed, are largely absorbed by theushion before reaching the bed of the veicle, the cushion being arrangedto carry he load of the vehicle and to be subjected i uniform pressureat substantially all unes. 4

i Other specific objects will be pointed out iter on in thespecification.

With the above and other objects in view my invention consists in theimprovements, arts and combinations more fully pointed yut in theclaims.

- In the drawings accompanying this speciication and forming parthereof, I'. have 4down my invention, in a preferred form, 4as

Speccation of Letters Patent. i

and espe-- BEST AVAILABLE COPY 'UNITED STATES PATENTY OFFICE.,

yiHNonORE A. xLENxE, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR 'rO'xLENxE OusntIoNAXLE COMPANY, ,A CORPORATION or NEW Yoax. r

'i' CUSHIONING DEVICE FR vVEHICLES.

Patented une application med November, 27, 190e. serial. No; 345,:89l

Iwill now'proceed to describe that preferred form.

attached to this'v specification and form a part thereof-Fig'ure' 1illustrates: a liorizontal elevation of a bed of a vehicle mounted on mycushioning! device. Fig. ,2 illus-V trates a front elevation. ofapart-of the body and the running-gear. Fig .'3fis a detail- -view4partly in section' =of 'the cushioning means. Fig. 4,' is aldetailsectional view -illustrating. the means Afor mounting the pivotedpressure transmitting late that is secured to the body of the ve-icle.'Fig. 5 is adetail view Vof a part lof. the mountlng'of the plate. Fig. 6is a detail showing means whereby the pivot of the plate is-permitted tohave a bodil movement with relation to the bed. Fig. illustrates Ptheoperation of Referring lnow 'to the drapw'ings'which' are applied to anautomobile, although .it is not ,I limited 'to use in such al class ofvehicles, and

cushioning the bed when the front wheel 'i goesover an obstruction. Fig.8 isa detail of the means for transmitting the movement of the axle tothe pressure plates. Fig. 9

illustrates a separate embodiment of my in vention. Figs. 10 and 11illustrate a furtherembodiment thereof.

The bedtf the -vehicie'is indicated by the reference .numeral 1, and'ismounted to run upon the usual front or steering. wheels 2, 3 andthe backwheels 4. The wheels are provided preferably with solid rubber tires 5.The front wheelsQ, 3 are mounted ona bodily movable shaft 6, the axlebeing mounted in swinging arms 7 which are pivoted at-8 in the body ofthev vehicle. The axlel is arranged to swing with the arms 7 withoutrotating with relation -to them. The axle`6 is shown as squared and isembraced by Y squared arms 9. The axle is thus movably mounted withreference to the bed longitudinally, or in the direction. of the lengthof the vehicle, verticallyand also rotatably on its axis. The verticalmovement is imparted to some extent tothe bed through connections,including a cushioning device or resilient means, as will be presentlydescribed. The front steering wheels 2 and 3 are connected in the usualmanner to the axle 6 by means of pivot bolts 10.

A pressure transmitting member 11 BEST AVAILABLE COPY relation toj thebed. Thepreferred means for securing this result is illustrated I `igsl3 to 6. The plate 11 is `provided with standards 12, which are securedto the plate by means of `lla-ng'es 13 andbolts 14. A pivot pin 15passes through' the standards 12, the -pin being retained in .place bysuitable means', such as the nuts 16, which engage with thescrr'aW-threaded endsof the pivot. The plate 11, with standards 12,swingsV -about the pivot pin 15 and bearing surfaces 17 are provided topermit free movement of the plate 11 with relation to the pin. In orderto permit the plate and standards to oscillate. freely, I' prefer toprovide .antifriction rollers 18, 19, 20 and 21, which are suitablymounted and which, when the standards 12 oscillate, bear against thefixed 'portion of' the frame .attached to the bed of the vehicle.

The means for permitting a bodilyfiriove-l ment between the pivot pinand the bed of the vehicle may beJwidely varied. Inthe embodiment of theinvention illustrated upon the drawings, I secure to the bed 1,

suitable plates 22 and 23, by means of bolts 24. In the best ,embodimentof the inven-l tion, I provide anti-friction means, such as rollers 25,which are mounted in the plates 22 .and 23 and receive the thrust of thep ivot.pin 15 as the pin travels back andforth. In the embodiment of theinvention illustrated upon the drawings, the pivot pin 15 is providedwith a-squared portion 26, and wings 27, so that the. pin may travelback and forth in the ways 28, without rotating.

Sultable means are provided whereby the bodily movement -of the axleproduces a corresponding movement of the plate. As the axle 6 rocksabout the pivots l8, the plate 11 is caused to rock correspondingly; andas the axle 6, by reason of its bodily movement about the center 8,-also moves fore and aft with relation to the carriage bed, the plate 11is given a corresponding movement. The means for accomplishing thisresult may be widely v aried. In the best embodiment of themvention-illustrated upon the drawings, I'provide an arm 29, bolted tothe axle 6 by the bolts 30, and communicate the movement of the arm- 29to the plate 11 by a suitable connection. The form of this connectionmay be widely variedf As illustrated upon the drawings, a slidingconnection is provided between the arm 29 and; the plate l1,the'co-nnectin'grod 31 being provided with cheek pieces 32 that embracethe arm 29. A roller 33 is mounted in the arml 31 so as to travel in theways 34, on the arm 29, as the axle 6 moves toward and from the` bedplate. Anti-friction rollers 34 may b( used to take up friction. Asillustrated upon the drawings, I provide a pluralityv oi upper plateslike plate 11, and I preferably provide four, one in connection witheacl.I point of support of the bed of the vehiclel These plates arenumbered 11 and 11, re spectively. By these means all of the mo; tionsof the `axle and itsplate, except they vertical motion, are imparted toupper plat( 11,4thus causing that plate to move with the axle asa unit,and this causes the lower anc upper plates to always maintain a paralleposition with reference to each other. i also -prefer to -rigidlyconnectl the uppei plate 11 on one side of the vehicle, with thcorresponding upper plate l1.A on the' othel side of the vehicle, tocausethem to rocli and move longitudinally and also vertically together,although this is not essential. In

the device shown I accomplish this by making the connecting rods 31integral. It will be noted that the connections 31, 29, between' theaxle and the upper plates and the con-V nection of the latter with thebed, preventI lateral movement of the axle and bed rela-l tively toAeach other. s

The resilient means or cushioning devicesl employed'by me between thewheel or axle and the bed are pneumatic bags. In the drawings these areshown as inserted beiv tween the pressure-transmitting members or platescarried by the axle and. pivoted td the bed respectively. Plates, suchas shown' in the drawings, which always maintain' their parallelism withrelation t each other are peculiarly well tted for use with pneu maticcushions.

Suitablemeans are provided for support` ing a plurality of pneumaticcushions ovel their axles, so as to take up the shock. Ir the embodimentof the invention illustrate upon th'e drawings, I provide plates 35 anc36 which are4 rigidly secured to the front axle 6. Corresponding plates37 are securec to the rear axle. The plate 35 is preferably providedwith curved portions 39 to form 2 seat -for the pneumaticV cushion..Corre sponding curved portions 40 are provide( for the plate 36. It willbe understood, o1 course, that the axle itself, if desired, may form thelower support for the pneumati(I cushions or other resilient means, inwhicl case it should be suitably shaped for the pur pose, or that` anyprojection from the axl( or part connected` to. it may form such supAport.l The lowersupports for the pneu;

matic vcushionsor other resilient means ar( preferabl made rigid withthe axle. l, From t e construction -so far described, i5

will be observed that when the front wheel? meetlan obstruction, theaxle`6 will be give] a bodily movement, swinging about the center 8, andthe plates 35 and 36 will swing so as to tilt the cushions 41 and 42, atthe same time tilting the plates 11 and 11, through the arm 29 andconnecting rod 31. In this way each pair of upper -and lower plates, asfor example plate .11 and plate 36, are

kept parallel and the; cushion subjected to uniform pressure, instead ofsqueezingone end of the cushion more' than'the other end.

Suitable means are provided whereby shouldthe cushions 41, 42 becomedeflated .bya puncture or other cause, the bed of the vehicle will restupon springs.A illustrated upon the drawings, I provide coll spiralsprings 43, 44 in connection with the cushion 41, the lowerportions ofthe springs being guided by pins 45, secured by bolts 46. The upperportions of the springs are preferably guided by the'telescoping sleeves47, which are supported 'by spiral springs 48. The sleeves are providedwith slots 49, which engage with vpins (see Fig. 3) so as to guide thesleeves.

Suitable means are provided whereby as the bed of the carriage reboundsand moves away from the road bed, the movement is cushioned. rlhis meansis combined with the means heretofore described, for taking up the shockbetween the bed vand the axle as follows. I provide plate 11 with rods51 and 52 at the front of the plate, and with a rod 53 at the rear ofthe plate. Cross-piece 54 connects the rods 51 and 52, and springs 55and 56 arranged between the cross-piece 54 and the lower plate, as forexample plate 3,5, take up the shock, as the plates 11 rise with thebed.

It will be observed that the rods 51 and 52 are Aseparated from eachother, so thatthe pneumatic cushion 41 may be removed for repairs. Iprefer to make this cushion of an outer shoe 60, and an inner tube 61,rthe tubes being supplied with a Valve 62 by means of which the innertube may be inflated. The outer tube is removably .secured to the plates11 andthe lower plates 35, 36

- or 37/by means of removable rivets 63, 64, 65

The rear axle 68 is mounted in a swinging thrust rod 69 in such a way asnot to rotate)r with vrelation to the rod. Suitable `means areprovidedfor securing the rear axleto the thrust rod. In the embodiment of theinvention illustrated upon the drawings, I have shown a connection 70for this purpose. This is secured to the bracket 70a that isrigidly-connected with the rear axle, the bracket carrying the fplate37. lThe .thrust rod.69 isprovided with the usual Vtake-up device-71.The rear wheels 4 are free to rotate on the rear axle as usual. The backcushions 67 can be removed from the back of the machine, the back rods51l and 52 being suitably spaced, so that the cushion 67 may easily beremoved from between them. The rear rod 53 is provided with a bracket 57between which and the plate 37 springs 58 and 59' are mounted to take upthe shock.

The means for tilting the plate 11 by the bodily movement of the axle 68and the means for preventing a lateral movement of the axle 68, withrelation to the bed of the carriage, are like the means which accomplishthis result for the yfront axle and-` `7 8, operated by the leversl 79,connecting rod 80 and hand lever 81.v The position of the `brake isdetermined asy usual byl means of a rack 82, and detent 83 pressed intoengagementwith the rackby the spring 84. When the brake is applied, thevehicle is brought to lrest with a quick smooth action withouttransmitting the shock of the sudden stoppage of the wheels to the bodyof the vehicle, much of the shock being absorbed through the action ofthe parts, including the pneumatic cushions on which the bed of thevehicle is supported.

a With reference to the embodiment of my .l lnvention illustratedin Fig.9, the plate 85 .which corresponds to the plate 11, in Fi 3, may beprovided with a plurality of curved portions 86 which engage the upperpart of the pneumatic cushion. Y The plate 87 is secured tothe'plate85-and is provided with an aperture 88, by means of which the plate maybe pivotally secured to the frame lattached to the bed of the machine.The lower plate 89 1s provided with corresponding projections 90 andV isfirmly secured to the axle 91. .By these means the pneumatic cushion 921s pressed upon at individual points instead of applying pressurethrough-V out the surfaces of the cushion. Rods 93, 94 connect the topplate 85 with brackets 95, on which brackets are mounted springs 96 and97, the upper end of these springs are received in sockets 98. Suitablesprings 99,

100 are preferably provided having 'freeg ends 101 which will receivethe weight of the l vehicle should the pneumatic cushion 92 becomedeflated. Telescoping connections 102, supported by springs 103 andguided by pins 104, in slots 105, guide the upper ends of the springs99, 100.

' lith reference to Fig. 10, I provide an upper plate 106, pivoted tothe plate 106 axle. Rods 113,114, springs 115, 1.16, 117

and 118 are provided, these springs acting llike those which havebeenheretofore described. Telescoping connections 119, cooperate with'springs 117, 118 in the manner heretofore described. The upper plate106 is connected to the plateilOGby a pivotal Joint, such as a ball andsocket joint 120, so

as to prevent side tilting of the plate 106 with relationto the bed ofthe machine, should the wheel beneath the plate 106 enter a rut in theroad.

The operation of myl invention will be apparent from the foregoingdescri tion. Easy riding and the absorption of shocl ringe are securedin that when eitheruthe front or back `wheels meetan obstruction, suchas a stone or the like, the wheels are permitted to yield in thedirection of the movement of the vehicle, the axles swinging bodily. Theplates which embrace the pneumatic cushions between them and transmitthe pressure from the bed to the axle, are

kept in parallel position, and very little"y shock is transmitted to thebed of the vehicle.

The 4connections between the axle and bed' are 'made much more flexibleand yielding or.

elastic. The slight rotation of the axle upon ,its axis itswings onradiusrod 7 iis not communicated to th bed of 'the vehicle, and thelongitudinal movement due to the bodily swinging is reduced as it iscommunicated tothe bed. The longitudinal movement of the upper supportfor the resilient means, also tends to reduce the shock transmitted tothe bed.' My improved connections between the wheel-or axle and the bedenable pneumatic bags to be successfullyemployed as cushioning means formotors and' otherve` hicles/l lVhile the supports for these may bewldelv varle-d, those shown in the' drawing consisting of platesvmovable togetheras aunit, and with the axle, afford peculiar advantagesin that-the! pressure on thelpneumatic .cushions is ap iedt'o the bestadvantage and always 1n-the same way, the

' Wear and tear on the pneumatic cushions is reduced "to a minimum, and'is always evenly distributed throughout the cushion. f 'Y Of coursemanyphanges, departures and modifications in the specific device'skshown in the drawing, may be made withoutdeparting from my invention,thev essentials of which are set forth in the claims.

s be-y tween the road way and the bed of the car- By means of myimproved devices I am enabled, in such heavy vehicles as automobiles, todispense with the pneumatic tires ordinarily employed, and torely uponpneumatic'bags interposed between the axle and the bed. While suchresilient means may be of any desired form, my devices lend themselveswith particular value-to the use of pneumatic cushions in suchconnection. Inlpractice I have found that in the case of automobilesprovided with my improved devices, an automobile will run as easily andsmoothly over a rough road with solid tires, as t-he ordinary automobiletoday provided with pneumatic tires, thus avoiding the great expense,annoyance, loss lof timeand troublenow universally encountered in theemploymentl of pneumatic tires. The cost of a `pneumatic cushionemployed as shown in my device, is very small,.and the wear and tearupon it very little. I have found, moreover, that a very slight airpressure in such a cushion,.thus used, is sufficient, and that such airpressure'is very durable, with practically little or no leakage, thussaving much of the trouble and annoyance now encountered in blowing uppneumatic devices and decreasing the wear upon the same.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim,rand desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is: 1. In a vehicle, the combi-nation of abed.` an axle, two supports, one support carried by the axle and theother support secured to a supporting piece connected to the bed andmovable ylongitudinally thereon, resilient means supported by the twosupports and adapted to transmit the pressure of the weight of the bedfrom one support to the vother,'and connections between the two supportspermitting vertical play-between them but causing the upper support tomove with the lower support rigidly in a longitudinal direction.

2. In a vehicle the combination of a bed, a pressure transmitting memberpivotally mounted with relation to said bed, means` for permitting abodily longitudinal movement of the pivot with relation to said bed,

an axle, a pair`ofwheels, and a pneumatic cushion arranged betweensaidaxle and said member, said cushion b eing adapted to absorb shock. i s

3.' In a vehicle thelcombination of a bed,

`a` pressure transmitting member movablyl 5 in all other directions anda pneumatic cush-` `connection with the bed and adapted tot-ransmitweight from the bed to the bag ,and the' other supporting the bag andrigidly connected with the wheel-carrying axle and adapted to transmitthe weight to t-he wheel, and co-nnections between the two supportsindependent of the pneumatic bag and rigid in all respects except as tomove- .ment of the supports toward and away from each other, the saidsupports, their connections and the pneumatic bag being so shaped andarranged as toleave the bag unconfined -at its sides and -free to expandand contract, whereby the bag supports may freely move toward or. awayfrom each other but will be compelled to move together rlgidly las aunit in all 4other directions thereby maintaining their parallelism andrelative location to each other except as to their distance apart.

, 5. In a vehicle, the combination of a bed, an axle,` two supports, onecarried by the axle and rigidlyconnected therewith and the othersecuredto a supporting piece con- V nected with the bed so as to be movablelongitudinally thereon, resilient means supported by the two supportsand adapted to transmit the'pressure of t-he weight of the bed from onesupport to the other, and connections between the two supports adaptedto rmit` vertical play between the supports ande causing the uppersupport to move in all other directions rigidly with the lower support.v

6. In a vehicle, the combination of a bed, an axle, two supports, onecarried by the axle and rigid therewith and the other pivoted to asupporting piece connected wit-h the bed, a supporting piece for thesaid support movable' longitudinally of the bed, la pneumaticcushionsupported by the two supports and adapted to transmit the pressure ofthe weight ofthe bed from one support to the other, and connectionsbetween the two supports adapted to permit vertical movement 'betweenthem but rigidly communicating any longitudinal movement of the lowersupport tothe upper support.

7. In a vehicle, the combination of a bed,

a plate,V a pivotconnecting said plate with said bed, means forpermittin a bodily longitudinal movement of said plvot, a pair ofwheels, an axle, a plate mounted above said axle and a pneumatic cushionbetween said plates, said cushion being adapted to absorb shock.

8. In a vehicle the combination of a bed, a plurality of plates ivotallyconnected with said bed, a pair o? eral movement of said axle wheels, anaxle, a y,

plurality of pneumatic cushions one for each plate, each located betweenone of said plates and said axle, means for rigidly connecting saidplates, and means secured to said connecting means for preventinglatwit-h relation to said bed.

9. In a vehicle the combination of a pneumatic bag, two supports oneresting upon the top of the bag and having a yielding connect-ion withthe .bed and adapted to transmit weight from the bed to the bag andtheother rigid with the' axle, lsupporting the bag and adapted to transmitweight to the axle, and connect-ions between the two supportsindependent of the pneumatic bag and rigid in all respects except as tomovement of the supports toward and away y from each other, the saidsupports, their connections and the pneumaticbag being so shaped andarranged as to leave the bag unconned at ,its sides and free to expandand contract, whereby the bag supports may freely move toward or awayfrom each other but will be compelled to` move together rigidly as aunit in yall other directions thereby maintaining their parallelism andrelative location to each other except as to their distance apart.

10. In a vehicle the combination of a bed,

a. plurality of plates -pivotally connected Vthe top of the bag andhaving a yielding connection with, the bed and adapted to transmitweightfrom the bed tothe bag and the other supporting the bag and rigidlyconnected with the wheel-carrying axle and adapted to transmit theweight to the wheel, and connections between the two plates independentof the pneumatic bag and rigid in all respects except as to the movementof the plates toward and away from each other, thev said plates, theirconnections and the pneumatic bag being so shaped and arranged as toleave the bag unconfined at its sides and free to'expand and contract,the said plates also being so shaped as n ot to cut. or rupture the bag,whereby the plates may freely move toward or away from each other butwill be compelled to move together rigidly as a unit in all otherdirections thereby maintaining their parallelism 'and relative locationto each other except as 'to their distance apart.

ya pair of wheels, an axle, a plate secured to said axle, a pneumaticcushion located between said plates, a spring having a free end betweensaid axle and one of said plates, said spring being adapted to come intoaction after said pneumatic cushion has been compressed, and guidingmeansfor the free end of said spring.

14. In a vehicle the combinationof a bed, a plate pivotally connectedwith said bed,

aI pair of wheels, an axle, a plate secured to said axle, a pneumaticcushion located between said plates, a spring having a free lend betweensaid axle and one of said plates, said spring being adapted to come intoaction after said pneumatic cushion has been compressed, and guidingmeans comprising a telescoping tube for the free end of said spring.

e 15. In a vehicle the combination of a bed, an upper plate pivotallysecured thereto, a pair of wheels, an axle, a plate mounted above saidaxle, a pneumatic cushion between said plates, a plate mounted beneaththe said axle, a compression spring between said lower plate and saidaxle, and connecting rods between said upper plate and said lower plate.

16. In a vehicle the 4combination of an axle,y a bed, a resilient meansinterposed between the axle and the bed, two supports for the resilientmeans, one connected with the axle and the other connected withthe bed,a connection between the axle and the upper support adapted to move thatsup` port laterally and longitudinally with the axle and to rock it withthe rocking axial movementof the axle, but permitting vertical playbetween the upper support and the axle, and connections between theupper support and the bed permitting that support to rock and to movelongitudinally relatively to the bed but compelling the two to movelaterally with each other.

17. In a vehicle the combination of an axle, a bed, a resilient meansinterposed between the axle and the bed, two supports for the'resilientmeans, one connected with the axle and the other connected with the bed,a connection between the axle and the upper support adapted to movethatsupport, laterally and longitudinally with the axle, but permittingvertical play between the upper support and the axle, and connectionsbetween the upper support and the bed permitting that support to movelongitudinally relatively to the bed but compelling-the two to movelaterally with each other.`

18. In a vehicle' the combination of a pneumatic bag carried by theaxle, a plate resting upon the top of the bag and having a yieldingconnectionI with the bed andv adapted to transmit weight from the bed tothe bag, and connections betweengthe axle and theplate independent ofthe bag and rigid in all respects except to permit vertical movementbetween the plate and axle,

said connections including a plurality ot'.

bearing surfaces permitting the said vertical play between the plate andaxle but holdling them rigid otherwise, the plate, bag and.

adapted to permit vertical play between the t axle and the upper platebut to communicate all other movements of the axle to said plate. l

20. Inavehiclethecombinationof awheelinterposed between-said axle partand the bed, two supports for the bag, one rigid with the said axlepartyl and the other yieldingly connected with the bed, and aconnection'ybetween the said axle part and the support connected withthe bed permitting vertical play between the said support and the saidaxle part but causing the said Support y to move otherwise'rigidly withthe said axle part, the bag, its supports and connections eing so shapedand arranged as to leave the bag unconned and free to expand andcontract. l

21. In a vehicle, the combination of a bed, an` axle, two plates forcarrying a resilient means, one plate secured to the axle vcarrying axlepart, a bed, a pneumatic bag and the other plate secured to a supportingy piece connected with the bed, a supportin piece for said plateconnected with the be so as to be movable longitudinally thereon,resilient means supported by the two plates, and connections between theaxle and the plate connected with the bed permitting vertical movementbetween the axle and the platebut communicating any longitudinal p oneat' each-side of the bed and each pivotally mounted with relation to thebed andhaving its ivotal-point of support free toI move longitudinallythereon, means "connecting the said two pressure-transmitting members, asupport or'the connecting means carried by the axle permitting verticalmovement of the said connecting means, pressure-transmitting members andbed relative tothe axle but preventing lateral movement between them,two pressuretransmitting members carried by the axle and rigid therewithat opposite ends thereof,

and a pneumatic cushion arranged between each o l 1 rections relative toeach other. except lat- 25 erally. ,Y

23. In a vehicle the combination of a bed, a pressure 'transmitting-member movably -mountedfwith relation to said bed, a pair of wheels, fabodily movable axle, a pneumatic cushion arranged between said axle andsaid bed,an arm secured to said axle, and connections between said armand said member, whereby the bodily movement of said axle moves saidmember.

24. In a vehicle the combination-'of a bed, a pressure transmittingmember pivotally mounted with relation to saidbed, a pai-r of wheels, abodily movable axle, a pneumatic cushion' to absorb shock between saidaxle and said bed, an arm securedto said axle,

f said member, whereby said axleand said upper plate an member are'enabled to move toward and from each other, and whereby a; bodilymovement of said axle moves said member.

25. In a vehicle the combination of a bed, an axle, a platerigid withthe, axle, a plate connected with the bed so as to be rigid with it -inreference to lateral movement but free to rock or to move longitudinallyrelatively to the bed, a pneumatic cushion supported by the'two platesand adapted to transmit the pressure of the vweight of the bed from oneplate to the other, and connections between the axle and the upper platepermittin vertical play betweenl the municating to the upper plate anylongitudinal motion of the axle relative to the bed and rigidlycommunicating any lateral motion' ot the axle to both upper plate andbed.

26. In a vehicle the combination of a bed, an axle ,a plate rigid withthe axle, a plate connected with the bed so as to be rigid with it inreference to lateral movement but free the pressure-transmittinglmembersl ,pivotally connected to the body and its cor'- the`axle, butrigidly com-- to rock or to move longitudinally relatively to the bed, apneumatic cushion-supported by the-two plates and adapted to transmit`the pressure. of the weight of the bed from of the axle 'to both upperplate and bed.

27. In a vehicle the combination of resilient means, two supports forthe same, one support-secured to a supporting piece connected with thebed so as to be movable longitudinally thereon and the other supportrigidly connected with the axle and' adapted ,c to movej-.freely towardor away from eachother in accordance with the varying pressure on theresilient means but connected' so that they will move together rigidlyas a unitin all other directions.

28. In a,A vehicle the combination of a pneumatic cushion,- two supports` for the same, one support secured to a supporting piececonnected with the bed so as to bemovable longitudinally thereon Wandthe other support rigidly connected with the axle.and adapted to movefreely toward or away from each other in accordance with the varyingpressure on the pneumatic cushion but connected so that 4they will movetogether rigidly as a unit in all other directions.

29. In a vehicle the combination of a' pneumatic cushion, two. supportsfor the same, one support secured to a supporting piece connected withthe Vbed so as to be movable longitudinally thereon and the otherconnected with the axle, adapted to move freely toward or away from eachother in accordance with the varying pressure-on the pneumatic cushionbut connected so that they will move together rigidly as a unitlongitudinally of the vehicle.

30. In a vehicle the combination of a bed, an axle, a pneumatic cushion,two supports for the same, one support secured to a supporting piececonnected with the bed and free `to move longitudinally thereon, theother supportrigidly connected to the axle, and connections between theaxle, the two 'supports and the bed adaptedto compel the bed, the twosupports and the axle to-'move rigidly as a unit laterally butpermitting the bed and axle freedom of motion relative to eachother inall other directions,

'andv permitting the two supports to move ltoward or away from eachother freely in accordance withV the varying pressure on the pneumaticcushion but compelling the two supports to move with the axle in allother directions rigidly as a unit.

31. Theacombination with a vehicle bed andl itsv4 axleof an elongatedpneumatic cushion upwardly curved or arched between its ends andextending longitudinally of said bed, means whereby said cushion isconnected with the axle, a bearing memb er having an extended flatsurface resting upon 'the cushion, and yielding connect-ions betweensaid bearing member and the vehicle bed.

32. The combination with a vehicle bed and its axle, of a segment likepneumatic cushion extending longitudinally of hsaid bed, a curvedsupport whereby the said cushionA is connected with the axletransversely of the latter, a' bearing member -said cushion is mountedon the axle transversely thereof, said support permitting lateral andlongitudinal distention of the cushion, a bearing member extendinglongitudinally of said bed and resting upon the cushion, and yieldingconnect-ions between said bearing member and the vehicle bed.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, inthe presence of two subscribing witnesses.

THEODORE A. KLENKE.

Vit-nesses:

HELEN B. YOUNKIN, D. HAROLD BUSH.

